of course holy water isn't a single lick different than the water it was before it was blessed. It's even less different than homeopathic water, which isn't detectably different either (but at least has some ground to stand on compared to holy water, which hasn't had any physical process applied to it at all).

But it's not ABOUT THAT. It is entirely psychological. It's placebo. It's feel-good.

Yes, scientifically and logically, it is just "magic water". Practically speaking, normal water could easily take the place of "holy water". From a nonspiritual realistic standpoint, the whole deal is totally inane. But that's really not the point.

The point is that people's belief that the blessing of the water brings them closer to their deity and increases their inner purity, which gives them a measure of psychological comfort. In their mind, the blessing adds a new physical property that improves the water. It is illogical. It is blind belief and self-deception. If it helps people get through their life, then whatever, who cares. As long as no one is being hurt, why does it matter whether holy water is ACTUALLY any better?

Additionally, if you think back into history, it could be that holy water WAS "better". In earlier centuries, Holy water coming from a clean, running water source would be HEAPS more healthy than many of the usual water sources. I don't really know, but it would not surprise me if the beliefs around holy water did not stem from similar health histories as dietary laws.